When you measure the stacked clump to the hook, you should be measuring shank length only. That's where you tied in the tail, to just behind the eye.

Somewhere between the measure part, and the tie down part, something is going wrong. Not trying to be a smartazz - can you see OK? Try Dan's magnifiers, and see if it helps.

The wing is also spinning around the hook. Make your first wrap looser, and tighten progressively as you wrap back. If you still get some wild hairs, you can pull them back up before you wrap the dubbing. Just pinch the whole clump, and spin it back to vertical. If this fails, just cut them off.

Keep at it Dave. Everyone will get better an better. An even the not so good ones will still catch fish. I have been tying for years. My ties are for fishing so there not all that good looking, but ya know what? The sure as shizz catch fish.

Posted on: 2013/2/27 20:51

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I guess any fanned deer hair winged dry fly can be a comparadun but I tie mine with either split microfibbets for a tail or an antron shuck (sparkle dun). I think both of those material are better for tails on a comparadun.

I think the bottom pheasant tail is getting better. Would still try to get the soft hackle wings a little shorter. Also the tails could be a little shorter. That being said, you will catch fish with the bead head pheasant tails.

Posted on: 2013/2/28 8:59

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Phish_On wrote:Keep at it Dave. Everyone will get better an better. An even the not so good ones will still catch fish. I have been tying for years. My ties are for fishing so there not all that good looking, but ya know what? The sure as shizz catch fish.

McSneek wrote:I guess any fanned deer hair winged dry fly can be a comparadun but I tie mine with either split microfibbets for a tail or an antron shuck (sparkle dun). I think both of those material are better for tails on a comparadun.

I think the bottom pheasant tail is getting better. Would still try to get the soft hackle wings a little shorter. Also the tails could be a little shorter. That being said, you will catch fish with the bead head pheasant tails.

McSneek - I thought the pheasant tails came out decently. The hackle may not be as long as it seems, but I'll try them out on the Lackawanna tomorrow and get the opinion of the judges!

Kev, thanks for the input. My measuring surely needs more work! I measure and think I have it, then look and it's "Awww, Crap!"

Dave

The measurments don't need to be exact from the get-go. You can tie the material in a little long with the first few wraps of thread and then gently pull the deer hair back so that the correct length remains exposed. Then securec it with a few more wraps.